From March 1, 2025, Switzerland will allow the first applications of automated driving in the country. The federal government has amended the road traffic regulations so that such vehicles can be used accordingly.
Under the regulations, the use of driverless vehicles on pre-defined routes, highway pilot and automated parking would be permitted.
With the new road traffic regulations, the federal government is opening up the potential of automated driving to enable even safer, more efficient and more compatible mobility.
Automated vehicles also ensure a more harmonious traffic flow and enable more efficient use of existing traffic areas. Furthermore, they make new innovative mobility forms possible, such as on-demand services.
Highway Pilot
The highway pilot takes full control of the vehicle on motorways.
It not only adjusts the speed and keeps the car in the lane, but also allows the driver to let go of the steering wheel.
However, they must be ready to take over the controls at any time. The system actively prompts the driver to take over the steering if necessary.
Driverless Vehicles on approved routes
The use of driverless vehicles on officially approved routes is also permitted. These will no longer be accompanied and monitored by a person in the vehicle, but by an operator in a control center. If the vehicle cannot solve a situation itself, the system prompts the operator to intervene.
They can then take measures to resolve the problem remotely. The use of driverless vehicles can be particularly attractive for goods transport and covering the so-called last mile in passenger transport.
Automated Parking
The amendment to the road traffic regulations also allows for new automated parking. Parking garages and parking facilities designated for this purpose will be marked with a new traffic sign.
The vehicle can be parked there in a specially marked handover zone. From there it drives independently, that is, without a driver or occupants, to a free parking space.
When returning, the vehicle can be called back to the handover zone. Both technical aids in the vehicle and in the parking facility can be used for automated parking. Vehicles without corresponding systems are also allowed to use the respective parking spaces.
International implications
With Switzerland taking a lead with progressive legislation, it raises the obvious question about how these regulations compare with other parts of the world, and closer to home, raises the question about Australia’s regulatory position.
The Australian Government have indicated they will align with the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) will update ADRs and state legislation to support autonomous vehicles, but that’s currently slated for 2026, far too late.
Can Tesla FSD launch in Switzerland ?
While this development is certainly heading in the right direction, this isn’t the red carpet to roll out FSD (Supervised or Unsupervised) in Switzerland unfortunately.
Tesla’s best version of FSD today is V13.6.x which enables the car to effectively be driven anywhere, including city streets and that functionality is not yet enabled by these legislative changes.
The problem is, Tesla’s software already surpasses these approved uses.
As it stands today, Tesla vehicles sold into Switzerland cannot use the following features.
- Traffic and Stop Sign Control: Identifies stop signs and traffic lights and automatically slows your vehicle to a stop on approach, with your active supervision,
- Actually Smart Summon: Allows the vehicle to navigate more complex environments and parking spaces, maneuvering around objects as necessary to come find you in a parking lot.
Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) enables the car to navigate city streets (marked or unmarked roads), with no geo restriction. This would fall foul of the requirement to only allow it in specific locations.
Is it possible that Tesla creates a set of restricted use locations? Possibly, but they’ve shown absolutely no interest in doing that elsewhere.
You can watch the video here.
More information at https://www.astra.admin.ch/astra/de/home/fachleute/fahrzeuge/vernehmlassung-automatisiertes-fahren.html
